Page Content
Traineeship Program
Applications for the DAFF 2008 Traineeship Program have now closed.
Nominations for the 2009 DAFF Traineeship Program will be advertised in newspapers and on the Department’s website in late October/early November 2008.
The DAFF Traineeship Program is a 10 month entry level training and development program designed to give trainees the skills and knowledge to prepare them for a career within DAFF and the Australian Public Service (APS).
The Program offers trainees:
- work experience within the Department
- access to a range of learning and development activities
- leadership, peer support and mentoring
- the chance to complete a nationally recognised qualification (Certificate III in Government); and
- a permanent job in DAFF following successful completion of the program.
We encourage everyone from school leavers, the mature aged, Indigenous Australians and people with a disability to apply for our Traineeships. Prior experience and qualifications are not required, although basic computer skills are an advantage.
The Traineeships are not typically for people with university qualifications. The Department offers a Graduate Development Program for these candidates.
Traineeship positions in DAFF are for you if you:
- have great people and communication skills
- are comfortable working in a team environment
- have initiative and flexibility; and
- want a career in DAFF.
Training and Development
Trainees undertake a Competency Based Training (CBT) program to complete a Certificate III in Government. This generalist qualification covers entry-level competencies for a career in the public sector, with a particular focus on meeting the ethical and legislation requirements of the public service, while undertaking a diverse range of work activities which are generalist in nature.
Trainees also participate in additional in-house training courses that run in conjunction with the Certificate III.
Trainees are given the opportunity to participate in three workplace rotations during the trainee year. The rotations are structured for the trainees to gain exposure to and experience in various types of work. These rotations also provide trainees with an opportunity to establish networks and gain an understanding of different areas of the Department.
Employment Status
Trainees are employed under the Department's Collective Agreement as ongoing (permanent) full-time employees at the Band 1, Level 1 rate (salary $36, 828 as of July 2008). On successful completion of the Traineeship, participants are then advanced to the Band 1, Level 2 rate (salary $43,128 as of July 2008). Ongoing employment is contingent on successful completion of probation and the requirements of the program.
Location
All the positions are located in Canberra and will be based at 18 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra City ACT 2601.
Some assistance may be provided to successful candidates to relocate to the Canberra area.
Selection Process
Once applications have been received for the Traineeship Program they will be assessed against Departmental criteria. Applicants will be advised by late November if they have passed this first stage of the selection process. Unfortunately, due to the large amount of applications we receive, we will not be able to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants not proceeding to the next stage of the selection process.
If you progress through the first stage, you will be invited to attend a short Assessment Centre to be held in Canberra in early December 2008.
What is an Assessment Centre?
An Assessment Centre is a structured combination of assessment techniques that allow us to determine your capabilities against specified criteria – in other words, it gives you the chance to show us your skills and abilities.
We will hold Assessment Centres in Canberra, and generally they run for half a day. We will ask you to complete a range of activities which could include an interview, a group exercise, an in-tray exercise or a role play.
Job offers and feedback
After the Assessment Centres are complete, we will offer successful applicants a traineeship position in DAFF for 2009. The number of available positions varies from year to year.
It is anticipated that we will announce the results of the Assessment Centre process by late December 2008. Unsuccessful applicants who participate in the Assessment Centre process will be provided with feedback on request.
If you are offered a position in DAFF and you accept our offer, be aware that you will need to have a medical and police check, which will be organised by the Department. A Commonwealth medical clearance and police check are standard conditions of employment in the Australian Public Service.
Applications
Applications for the DAFF 2008 Traineeship Program have now closed. Nominations for the 2009 DAFF Traineeship Program will be advertised in newspapers and on the Department’s website in late October/early November 2008.
Previous DAFF trainee profiles
Further Information
If you have any questions relating to the Traineeship Program for 2009 please contact: Liz Goodlet – email liz.goodlet@daff.gov.au or phone (02) 6272 4491.